Prenatal Health Care
Ultrasound
Health care providers differ in their use of ultrasound , but many recommend an early ultrasound to confirm pregnancy dates , with an additional mid-pregnancy ultrasound around twenty weeks . Additional ultrasounds may be recommended if risk factors develop . Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create a visual image of your baby . While considered safe , ultrasounds can increase tissue temperature and therefore should be used when the potential benefits of the ultrasound outweigh the risks . These are some ( though not all ) things that may be evaluated in an ultrasound , but keep in mind that the degree of accuracy of the results may vary :
Gestational Diabetes Screen
During the second trimester , many health care providers do a glucose tolerance test ( GTT ) to determine whether mother has developed gestational diabetes , a condition where there is excess sugar in the blood . This involves drinking a sweetened liquid and giving a blood sample to measure blood sugar levels . High levels will require further evaluation . Gestational diabetes treatment usually involves dietary counseling , additional exercise and frequent blood sugar monitoring . In some cases , medication may be prescribed and additional testing may be done .
Group B Strep ( GBS )
GBS is a normally-occurring bacterium found in the vagina and / or rectum of ten to thirty percent of healthy women . During the third trimester , many health care providers test a swab of vaginal and rectal secretions for the presence of GBS . If GBS is present , they may recommend antibiotics in labor to reduce the likelihood of bacteria transmission to the baby .
Preview
• Baby ’ s size , sex , development and wellbeing .
• Confirm single fetus or multiples .
• Location of the placenta .
• Position of the baby .
• Level of amniotic fluid .
Other Prenatal Tests
Additional tests as needed may include :
• Carrier testing on mother and / or partner for cystic fibrosis or other inherited disorders .
• Screening for potential genetic problems ( testing maternal blood for fetal or placental hormones or proteins ).
• Chorionic villus sampling ( CVS ).
• Amniocentesis .
• Non-stress test ( NST ) or stress test .
• Biophysical profile ( BPP ).
Vaccines
The CDC currently recommends that pregnant women receive a Tdap vaccine booster , which provides protection against tetanus , diphtheria and pertussis ( whooping cough ). Discuss this and other vaccine recommendations with your health care provider .
Partners benefit from being involved in prenatal care and having opportunities to ask questions and get to know health care provider ( s ). If your partner is unable to attend many prenatal appointments , be sure to discuss which visits are especially important and make plans ahead to allow participation .
8 Healthy Pregnancy